Notes from the host
Gorsddu
A rural Welsh property restored to a very high quality with fine views of the Cambrian Mountains.. 2 steps to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Living room: 32" Freeview TV, DVD Player, Ipod Dock, Woodburner
Dining room.
Kitchen: Breakfast Bar, Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Separate Toilet.
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds, Pull Out Single (3ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet. Biomass central heating with underfloor heating to the ground floor heating, electricity, bed linen and towels included. Initial fuel for wood burner provided, remainder at cost. Cot, stairgate and highchair available. Welcome pack. Wi-Fi.. Enclosed, lawned garden and decking with furniture. Gas BBQ. Ample parking. Cycle store. Natural water supply from bore hole. Pets to be kept on a lead, sheep country. No smoking. NB: Stream in the grounds.. The stunning location of Gorsddu is just one of its surprises when you arrive. You can’t tell by looking at this beautifully restored property that the original house, built before 1840, was the size of, what is now the living room. What was once a cowshed added in about 1901, is now a fitted kitchen. Records show that the owner’s great, great, great grandfather purchased the property in 1848 for £65 and it has been painstakingly built and renovated by the family using mostly their own home grown oak. Now the luxurious house of Gorsddu boasts huge panoramic windows from the spacious sun room that looks out over the eastern edge of the rolling Cambrian Mountains known as the ’roof of Wales’. You will probably want to while away many hours with a pair of binoculars and a drink and soak up the stunning scenery. From mid April to mid June you will often hear the plaintive call of the cuckoo.
The hamlet of Llanwrthwl, nearest to Gorsddu, lies on the River Wye south of Rhayader. From here you can take a walk, part of the National Trust Abergwesyn Common know as the Llanwrthwl Horseshoe Walk which starts at the church taking you through mountain moorland and peat bogs. The National Cycle Trail also passes through here, and with the Élan Valley cycle path close by, this area really is a haven for cyclists. The property is also well accommodated for keen cyclists, with a lockable shed for storage of up to seven bikes, and it also acts as a drying room.
To the north west is the RSPB nature reserve called Carngafallt, a heather clad hill with slopes covered in ancient hanging oak woodlands. Legend says that King Arthur’s dog, Gafallt, left his paw print in a stone somewhere on Carngafallt. It was also here that a hoard of bronze age gold jewellery was found, now in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. In the churchyard next to the parish church of St Gwrthwl in Llanwrthwl is a huge standing stone.
The region is also home to spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Rich with rare wildlife, including the magnificent Red Kites, the area offers wonderful walking and some of the best mountain biking routes in the British Isles. Nearby Rhayader, about six miles, also renowned for being the canoeing capital of Europe, is best explored on foot where you should take time to discover the variety of independent shops and crafts where you’ll find everything from gifts to the essentials. There is a good choice of places to eat, where you can try traditional Welsh dishes and home cooked comforts, and for a friendly evening out, there are pubs in every direction each with its own welcoming atmosphere. There is also a convenience store, petrol station and cafe situated just two miles down the road from the property, so guests are within easy reach of essentials!
Other places to visit nearby include Wales’ most central town Llandrindod Wells, known locally as ’Llandod’ it was developed as a spa town in the 19th Century. Builth Wells, the interesting market town now famous for the annual Royal Agricultural Show and numerous smaller shows and fairs throughout the year. LLanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, also has lots going on including the wacky events of bog snorkelling and Man Versus Horse marathons. Shop 2½, pub and restaurant 6 Miles.
This property is approached for the last few yards through a gate and across grazing land for sheep. The access road to the property is solid and level, although not a tarmac road surface.
There are steps within the property.
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
There is open water in the property grounds.
